Fashion Trends for SS26

I had a lovely session recently with a client who felt like she’d hit a bit of a style plateau. She confessed that her current wardrobe was feeling a little too "Mumsy" - that dreaded word we use when we feel our outfits have become more about convenience than confidence. She’d found herself feeling a bit frumpy at work events and was really craving that spark again; she wanted to feel stylish, relevant and like herself (just a slightly more polished version).

Now, if you know me, you know I’m not one to suggest you chase every fleeting trend that hits the runway. That’s exhausting and rarely sustainable. However, I do think it's useful to keep an eye on the fashion landscape. It’s not about a total overhaul; it’s about cherry-picking the elements that actually resonate with you and your lifestyle. Often introducing one or two thoughtful pieces is all it takes to give your existing clothes a whole new lease of life and boost your morning mood.

Of course, when we talk about seasonal trends, it’s hard not to hear the icy tone of Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada:

Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.

So, this fortnight I've curated a few gems from My Circular Wardrobe to show you how to nail key trends for this Spring/Summer sustainably. If you haven't discovered them yet, you are in for a treat. This gorgeous business is run by a brilliant mother-daughter duo who are on a mission to slow down the fashion cycle by giving beautiful, pre-existing pieces a second chapter. Their collection is a total treasure trove, ranging from high-street staples to high-end designer labels, so there’s something for every budget and vibe.

If you sign up to their emails you'll get 10% off your first order. I should also say, the pieces I've shared below are all available at the time of publishing.

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Colour Blocking

Move over muted tones: SS26 is making a bold, optimistic statement through "colour drenching". We’re seeing a shift from soft pastels to saturated, high-pigment shades like Chinese Blue, Electric Fuchsia and Lemon Yellow. For the professional woman, one take on this could be monochromatic dressing - think a tailored suit or a fluid midi dress in a single striking hue. It’s an effortless way to look "put together" in seconds while radiating confidence at the office.

Crush - Size M

Marc Jacobs - Size M

The Fold - Size 12

Me+Em - Size 14

Ulrika Lundgren - Size XS

The Fold - Size M

Boden - Size 26"

Reiss - Size 12

Grown up Florals

Of course, we can’t talk about Spring/Summer without mentioning florals (as per Miranda Priestly!). But for SS26, they’ve had a serious glow-up. Forget the overly "sweet" or ditsy prints that can sometimes feel a bit young. Think watercolor-inspired prints that look more like a canvas and less like a garden party. For a professional look that still feels soft, try a blurred floral blouse tucked into high-waisted utility trousers. It’s a clever way to embrace femininity without losing that sharp, modern edge you need for your workday.

Loretta Caponi - Size XS

Temperley - Size 6

Boden - Size 10

The Fold - Size 12

Rixo - Size 12

Boden - Size 12

Three Graces - Size 8

All Saints - Size S

Sport Luxe

This season, the sporty trend moves away from "gym wear" and toward a "preppy-chic" aesthetic.  Think tailored track-inspired trousers with side stripes, high-quality knit joggers and lightweight zip-up anoraks layered over crisp white tees. It’s about maintaining a certain level of chic - outfits that move with your body during a frantic afternoon but maintain a polished finish. Pair your trainers with a structured blazer to perfectly bridge the gap between athletic comfort and professional poise.

The Fold - Size M

Adidas x Liberty - Size 4

Maje - Size S

Nicole Farhi - Size XL

Me+Em - Size 10

Boden - Size M

Sweaty Betty - Size M

Refined Utilitarian

Utility is no longer just about cargo trousers. For SS26, it has received a luxurious, feminine makeover. Expect to see lightweight cotton trenches, belted safari jackets and refined trousers with subtle pocket detailing in earthy tones like sage, sand and tobacco. This trend is the ultimate "Mum hack" - it provides the functionality and durability needed for the school run, but the structured silhouettes and premium fabrics ensure you look sophisticated enough for a boardroom presentation.

Baukjen - Size 12

Anisa Sojka necklace

Vince - Size XS

Lululemon - Size 8

Zadig & Voltaire - Size XS

Whistles - Size 8

Baukjen - Size 12

Maje - Size 6

Quiet Luxury

Quiet Luxury remains the backbone of the sophisticated wardrobe, but for SS26, it focuses on soft whites and tonal navy layering.  This trend prioritises craftsmanship and "sensorial layering" - mixing textures like linen, silk and fine knits to create interest without needing loud prints. It’s the art of looking expensive through simplicity. For a professional woman, this is the ultimate investment trend: timeless pieces that work harder, last longer and never go out of style.  

Maje - Size L

Giorgio Armani scarf

Isabel Marant - size L

Veronica Beard - Size S

Free People - Size XS

& Other Stories - Size XS

The Fold - Size 12

The Fold - Size 12

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I love the idea of mixing a few pre-loved gems into a contemporary wardrobe. It’s not just a sustainable choice; it’s a clever way to stay ahead of the curve. Fashion is famously cyclical (none of the above trends are all that radical or "new"), and the trends we see on the runways for 2026 are often elevated echoes of seasons past. By dipping into resale platforms, you’re often finding the original of a trend before it hits the high street allowing you to put your own stamp on the outfit. It’s all about building a wardrobe with a bit of a story, proving that great style is timeless - regardless of where or when you found the piece.